12 Best Day Trips From Cape Town, South Africa - Updated 2024

day trips from cape town
Julie
Julie 
Updated
| 4 min read

Cape Town is an amazing base to uncover the awesome attractions in the rest of the province. In this town, you can visit the top of Cape Town, enjoy a wine-tasting experience at a wine farm, go on a safari, or take in the breathtaking views that the picturesque Imhoff Farm has to offer. There are many to see and explore, no matter what passions you have. Moreover, Cape Town is also an amazing family-friendly destination and it is fun for kids. You can opt to stay in a beachfront hotel for a splashing time on the shore. The chalets in Cape Town are your best bet if you prefer a mountain getaway. If you’re visiting for a short while and looking to experience as much on a one-day trip as possible, be at ease. Check out these best day trips from Cape Town, South Africa.

1. Table Mountain (from USD 157.0)

Table Mountain is an important tourist spot, situated just 17 minutes’ drive from Cape Town. Visitors use the cableway or hike to the Table Mountain’s top, the notable feature of the landscape overlooking the city of Cape Town. This Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has captured tourists’ attention for a long time. You can explore the popular area and discover new heights at Table Mountain National Park. Meanwhile, enjoy summer’s long days, a sunset special moment, as well as pleasant evenings at the top of Table Mountain with your loved ones.

Tip from Content Creator

Table Mountain Table Mountain Table Mountain

No visit to Cape Town is complete without a trip up Table Mountain. Here's what you need to know.

- You can buy tickets for the cable car online in advance - either for the morning or afternoon. I would really recommend booking the afternoon slot so you can watch the sunset! However, as soon as the sun goes down, there is a mad scramble for the cable car, and it gets very cold very quickly. Something to think about with kids.

- Keep an eye on the weather forecast - the cable car has to close in high winds (which occur often in Cape Town) - so try to choose a day with high visibility and low winds.

- Make sure you arrive early, as the queues for the cable car can be quite long.

- Bring snacks, water, jackets (even if it’s a hot day) and cameras! The views are incredible!

- There are lots of kid-friendly walking trails - as the top of the mountain is pretty flat. There are some more precarious parts, however, so keep an eye on little ones.

- There is a cafe at the top which serves food and wine. Watch out for the dassies!

- There is a path at the top which is pram-friendly - however if you want to venture further, I would take a baby carrier and recommend carrying your kids.

Tip from tour guide

Jakes

Jakes
South Africa

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is part of the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site. It is also a perfect yoga spot.

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Table Mountain Skip-the-Line Ticket, Half-Day Private Driver

Duration: 4 hours

13 reviews

2. Camps Bay

View of Camps Bay, Cape Town(11270442734)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Darren Glanville used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Are you ready to get a different view of Cape Town? Camps Bay is located about 6.6 kilometers (4 miles) outside Cape Town. It is considered as a recreational retreat for tourists to Cape Town. Come for a picnic to soak in Camps Bay beach’s atmosphere. Consider escaping the crowd in Victoria Road and head to Oudekraal Beach which is just a 10-minute drive away.

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3. Stellenbosch (from USD 65.81)

day trips from cape town | stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is a university town in Cape Province, about 45 minutes from Cape Town. The vineyards of the Cape Winelands encircle it. Visitors can enjoy the town’s oak-shaded streets, the home of cafes, art galleries, and boutiques around the town. The amazing landscape and the historic Dutch architecture of Cape Town will also be seen along the way.

Elevate your sightseeing tour in South Africa with this bike ride and wine-tasting package that will immerse you more in Stellenbosch’s lifestyle and heritage.

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Stellenbosch: Historical Bike Tour & Wine Tasting

Duration: 4.5 hour

105 reviews

4. Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach Suedafrika
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Olga Ernst used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Situated in the Cape Peninsula, Western Cape province, Boulders Beach is 42 kilometers (26 miles) away from Cape Town. It is a perfect swimming area for kids as the ancient granite boulders protect it from large waves. Falling under the Table Mountain National Park, it is a Marine Protected Area and this has kept the beach clean and safe. The serene area features incredible rock pools that delight kids and adults alike. The white sand and warm waters are the reason many tourists visit the area. Moreover, African penguins, which are the local inhabitants, attract thousands of visitors every year.

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Cape Town Tour Guide

Santie Gouws

Santie Gouws

Santie Gouws is a full-time registered and accredited Adventure Guide for Hiking, based in Cape Town, South Africa. A born and bred South African, she is passionate about mountains and the region's magnificent and highly bio-diverse fynbos vegetation, and offers exquisite, tailor-made, professionally guided hiking experiences to private groups, as well as 'open' scheduled group hikes, on Table ... Read more

Tours by Santie

5. Langebaan

Langebaan-2013
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andresdewet used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Langebaan is a town located on the eastern shores of Langebaan Lagoon in the Western Cape Province. The Langebaan Lagoon features several favorite windsurfing spots in South Africa. Visitors can enjoy Langebaan’s natural beauty and its almost year-round sunshine. Like many other seaside towns, Langebaan offers many activities that are suitable for the whole family. Situated just an hour and a half from Cape Town, Langebaan is the ideal spot to visit to escape from the city for the day.

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6. Aquila Private Game Reserve

Elephants at Aquila Safari in Capetown
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Testmaskara used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you want to feel an authentic taste of South Africa, Aquila Private Game Reserve is a perfect destination for you. It features five big safari tours from Cape Town, including half-day, full-day, and overnight safari packages. It is also recommended to stay several days at Aquila Private Game Reserve to get the most out of your safari experience. Guests can enjoy diverse room options such as standard rooms, premier, luxury family rooms, and cottages. You will have the chance to see elephants, lions, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards on a horseback safari or bike.

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7. Paternoster

Paternoster South Africa 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Octagon used under CC BY 3.0

Paternoster is an old fishing village on the West Coast of South Africa. It is one of the most convenient places to visit from Cape Town as it is only about a 90-minute drive away. Visitors can delight in watching whales and dolphins playing in the ocean. As a favorite weekend getaway destination for the locals, the village offers popular attractions including the beaches where you can take part in fishing and diving.

You can also go mountain biking, hiking, and sea kayaking. Bird lovers can also enjoy Paternoster’s over 250 species of birds.

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8. Robben Island

Robben Island - Cape Town, South Africa (3883849594)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user South African Tou... used under CC BY 2.0

Robben Island, located about 39 kilometers (86 miles) away from Cape Town, is visited by thousands of visitors every year. The island represents the significant aspects of South Africa’s history that many visitors are eager to know. You can start your day trips with a ferry trip across the bay to Robben Island. Then, you can descend at Murray’s Bay Harbour to stop by all the historic sites on all sides of the island by bus.

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9. Cape of Good Hope (from USD 31.0)

day trips from cape town | cape of good hope

The distance between Cape Town to Cape of Good Hope is about 65 kilometers (40 miles) away by car. In this day trip, you can stop by Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope as well as Boulders Beach to see the penguins. Alternatively, you can also join a guided walk from Cape Point to the Cape of Good Hope as an option. Moreover, don’t miss the incredible landscapes of the Peninsula Cape and a panoramic drive to Boulders Beach. Besides, from July to November, there are chances of seeing whales in the ocean.

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From Cape Town: Cape Point and Boulders Beach Full-Day Tour

Duration: 8.0 hour

1289 reviews

10. Hermanus (from USD 73.83)

day trips from cape town | hermanus

Any travel itinerary from Cape Town wouldn’t be complete without including Hermanus. By visiting this lovely town, you will experience a trip to the ocean around it and see the area from a different view.

Located about 1 hour and 34 minutes away from Cape Town, Hermanus has become a famous holiday seaside town. It is popular as a whale-watching tourist destination. You will have a chance of seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. Moreover, you will encounter a diverse ocean life that includes seabirds, dolphins, and seals.

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Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience

Duration: 1.5 hour

455 reviews

11. Franschhoek (from USD 38.0)

franschhoek

Franschhoek is a picturesque gem nestled in the heart of South Africa’s Cape Winelands. This charming town is a haven for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and nature seekers alike.

Embark on a wine-tasting adventure through the region’s renowned vineyards, sampling exquisite vintages and immersing yourself in winemaking. Indulge in delectable cuisine at award-winning restaurants, where talented chefs create culinary masterpieces using locally sourced ingredients.

Stroll down the quaint streets with charming boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and valleys with hiking, biking, and picnicking opportunities.

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From Cape Town: Franschhoek Wine Tram Hop-on Hop-off

Duration: 8.5 hour

687 reviews

12. Cape Peninsula (from USD 131.0)

The Cape Peninsula is a breathtaking destination that boasts natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. Explore the iconic Table Mountain, with its panoramic views of the city and coastline, and hike along its scenic trails. Visit the Cape of Good Hope, where the mighty Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, and be captivated by the rugged cliffs and pristine beaches.

Discover the charming coastal towns of Hout Bay, Simon’s Town, and Kalk Bay, each with unique characters and attractions. Encounter penguins at Boulders Beach, and witness the vibrant marine life while diving or snorkeling in False Bay.

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The Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope Full Day Tour in Cape Town

Duration: 9 hours

1 review

Experience the best day trips from Cape Town

If you are wondering where you’ll find an exciting place to visit in South Africa, consider joining one of the day tours from Cape Town listed here just for you. Take a day out with your family and friends, finding pleasure in stunning views for travelers of all ages.

Frequently asked questions about the day trips from Cape Town, South Africa


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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One thing that excites me when I lived or traveled outside Indonesia (Europe, Asia, and the US) is the chance to learn new experiences: "I travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape me."

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